Newsletter of the U.S. Province of the OMI USA Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate SEPTEMBER 2018 Vol. 21, No. 5

4 novices profess first vows blates and friends gathered at St. Ambrose Parish in Godfrey, IL on the anniversary of the birth of St. OEugene de Mazenod, August 1, 2018 to welcome four new men into the Oblate congregation. Having successfully completed their year at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Novitiate in Godfrey, Lazaro Angel Leal from , Michael Kabazo and Wilbroad Kapembwa of Zambia, and Canada’s Joey Methé were joined by Oblates from around the coun- try along with Oblate Associates, employees and friends for the celebration. New Schol. Bros: Lazaro Leal, Michael Kabazo, Joey Also on hand for the event were three Oblate Methé and Wilbroad Kapembwa Provincials including two from Canada: Fr. Ken Thorson employees happily greeted each other and visited before of OMI Lacombe Province, and Fr. Luc Tardif of Prov- settling in for the Mass. Fr. Louis Studer presided, and ince Notre-Dame-du-Cap, and the U.S. Provincial, Fr. Fr. Luc Tardif was the homilist. The MC and Gospel Louis Studer. reader was Deacon Bill Kessler. When the time came, The celebratory nature of the event was on full dis- the Novices were called up one by one, beginning with play as local and visiting Oblates, Associates, friends, and Continued on page 9 7 new Zambian Oblate priests by David Kalert, OMI even newly ordained Zambian Oblates: Benny Lipalata, Bright Kachigamba SPhiri, Morgan Musukuma, Elvis Ngosa, Godfrey Mwanza, Felix Bwalya Nyambe, Mathews Zulu! On Saturday, July 7, along with numerous Oblates, some diocesan priests and representatives from other religious communities, I was very happy to concelebrate the ordination Mass, presided at by Evans Chinyemba, OMI, bishop of Mongu Diocese. Bishop Valentine Kalumba, OMI, bishop of Livingstone Diocese, also concelebrated. The four-and-a-half-hour ceremony Front, l-r: Frs. Sakala, Ngosa, Bwalya Nyambe, Mwanza and Matthews. was filled with beautiful Zambian singing and Back, l-r: Frs. Kachigamba Phiri, Musukuma, Bishop Chinyemba, Bishop Kalumba, and Fr. Lipalata. Continued on page 4 SEPTEMBER-2018 -1 Ecological Initiative: 25 tinued as Di- years at La Vista rector of the I am proud to say Center these that I was a member of the many years Central Province Provincial since. Council in 1993 when we The were asked, as a province, garden is now to dedicate and preserve independent sections of the Novitiate and this is a real property at Godfrey, IL, as sign of its a nature preserve. progress and Whenever I tell people success. Some about that, they immediately of these farm- ask me whether I voted for ers at the No- Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick, Debbie Newman, Natural or against the proposal! I vitiate have be- Areas Preservation Specialist, Fr. Lou, Sr. Madeleine Lane, gun other simi- am also happy to say that I remember SSND, representing her community, and Sr. Maxine lar agricultural that the decision of the council was Pohlman, SSND, Oblate Ecological Initiative director. unanimous to devote a large parcel of projects which our Novitiate as a protected nature pre- furthers the work begun here. lates of the Three Part Harmony Farm serve, particularly some very valuable The Ecological Initiative is a mis- on the property of the U.S. Province land along the Mississippi River bluffs. sion of our office of “Justice and Peace,” in Washington, D.C. Yes, a commu- This was the beginning of what headquartered in the Provincial office nity supported garden in the center of later developed into the Oblate Ecologi- building in Washington, DC which has the city in Washington, D.C. at our cal Initiative at the Immaculate Heart of expanded its name with “and Integrity Oblate headquarters! Mary Novitiate which began in 2001. of Creation.” Going even further back in his- This initiative began under the This office of “Justice and Peace tory, as an Oblate Congregation and leadership of former Oblate, Maurice and Integrity of Creation” (JPIC) owes as a U.S. Oblate Province: As Mis- Lange, along with the community – sup- a great debt of gratitude most especially sionary Oblates, we are known to be ported garden and the Ecological Learn- to Séamus Finn, OMI, who success- “down to earth in our preaching, giv- ing Center. He was soon joined by Sr. fully guided and promoted its mission ing practical application of the gospel Maxine Pohlman, SSND, who has con- over two decades as its Director and to the lives of the people we serve and Mentor. Special thanks as well to the close to the people we serve.” ministry of Antonio Ponce, OMI, as We preach the message of Director more recently, and to Oblates Jesus who often used parables and ex- Norm Comtois, Darrell Rupiper and amples relating to soil and food and several other Oblates and friends who weather. served on the JPIC Committee over these Our faith teaches us that all of many years. Special thanks as well to creation was made in and through Mr. George Ngolwe and Ms. Mary Jesus Christ (St. Paul) and in the book O’Herron, for their dedication and vi- of Genesis, after God had finished the brant spirit of service, at our Washing- work of creation, He saw that it was ton office. good. The Ecological Initiative has also Each year, the Oblate novices been supported by many retreats at the have the opportunity to have their spiri- Lebh Shomea Contemplative and Re- tuality shaped, in part, by the beauty treat Center in Sarita, Texas, on the of this Novitiate property and to en- theme of “Integrity of Creation” as well Fr. Lou adddresses the gathering. as the support by the Missionary Ob- Continued on page 3 OMI-USA - 2 From the Provincial Continued from page 2 counter God’s grace and generosity on this “holy ground.” More than 20 years before the Encyclical of Pope Francis, “Laudato Si,” this ministry of preserving a forest area and the development of shared farming by the Missionary Oblates was a forerunner of Catholic Ecological Awareness. It is our sincere hope that the Oblate stewardship of this land, with all of its ability to teach us about God’s generosity and goodness to us, will con- tinue for many years into the future. Concelebrating at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows: l-r: Oblate Frs. On behalf of the Missionary David Kalert, Allen Maes, Harold Fisher, Lou Studer, Andy Knop. Oblates of Mary Immaculate, I offer ministering there during World War II new, larger space be located to accom- our sincere thanks and congratulations in 1943. Today the Oblates boast 110 modate the numerous pilgrims coming to all who have supported this effort priests and brothers in ministry in Haiti, for the Novena, held annually from July these past 25 years and to all who will making us the largest men’s religious 28 until August 5, the feast day. Fr. continue to support it for many years congregation in this tiny country. Edwin Guild, OMI solved this happy problem by founding the present-day into the future. Our Lady of the Snows Shrine YEAR OF ANNIVERSARIES Shrine located just three miles from the Missionary Oblates at the former seminary. Arrival in Haiti National Shrine of Our Lady of the In celebration of the 75th anni- This is the year of Oblate anni- Snows are also celebrating the 75th an- versary, Fr. Andy Knop, OMI, Shrine versaries! In May, the Oblates in Haiti niversary of the Novena to Our Lady Director, invited a former fellow semi- celebrated 75 years of presence on that of the Snows. Begun in 1943 at St. narian from the major seminary in Obra, Caribbean island. Oblates from the Henry’s Minor Seminary, the great Poland, Bishop Anthony Krotki, former U.S. Northern Province began crowds of the 1950’s required that a OMI, Bishop in the far northern region of Canada, where he ministers to the Inuit (Eskimo) people. Bishop Krotki requested to be assigned there imme- diately after his ordination to the priest- hood in 1990. In 2013, Krotki was ordained Bishop for the Diocese of Churchill- Hudson Bay, Canada. The Oblates in Northern Canada continue in the rich tradition of Fr. Paul Schulte, OMI, known as the Flying Priest, who brought the sacra- ments and other needed supplies to the Inuit people in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Fr. Schulte and Fr. Guild later became

Lining up for the procession around the Shrine grounds Continued on page 9 SEPTEMBER-2018 -3 7 New Zambian Oblate priests Continued from page 1 dancing. Examples of the uniqueness of the ceremony: the Scriptures brought up by a small girl sitting in a miniature Losi boat carried by four attendants (photo, right), and among the customary offerings, gifts of a live goat, a chicken, and other items were brought to the altar. Frs. Benny, Bright, Morgan, Elvis, Godfrey, Felix, and Mathews come from various parts of Zambia. I got to know most of them during the year and a half I spent in Zambia living at the pre-novitiate house.Several made their novitiate in Godfrey. Others, in South Africa and Namibia. Their scholasticate years of Philosophy and Theology were also quite diverse: United States, Cameroun, Cedara, Rome, Kinshasa. They bring a wealth of international experiences, especially within the African context. Fr. Felix Nyambe is a recent graduate of Oblate School of Theology in . The Gospels being brought to the altar by a girl carried in a miniature boat. to satisfy the legal requirements. The U.S. Province has already been blessed with the assignment of several other Zambian Oblates. The Zambian delegation has been very generous in sharing Oblates in various parts of the Oblate Congregation. When the Zambian delegation first started the custom of sending seminarians outside Zambia, especially to the U.S., some objected that upon completion of their studies they might not “fit in” when they returned to Zambia. Over the years, that fear undoubtedly has been dispelled. Zambians returning home have been a wonderful example of using their talents and edu- cation in some of the most difficult ministries which the Ob- lates serve. They have not hesitated to provide solid leader- ship within the Zambian context and elsewhere.

Hector Kalaluka, OMI, Valentine and Evans At the conclusion of the ordination ceremony, Fr. Vincent Sakala, OMI, Superior of the Zambian Delegation, announced the assignments of the newly ordained. Most of them are being assigned to the existing Oblate missions: Kalabo, Lukulu, Livingstone, Shang’ombo. Fr.Musukuma is being assigned to Peru, after a year of preparation in Zambia. Fr. Ngosa is being assigned to the U.S. Province at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. His arrival will be determined by the time needed

OMI-USA - 4 Oblates speak at Vatican conference officially launched Azure, a "blended financial facility" -- using both investment capital and grants -- to bring regularly flowing pipes of clean water to people in rural areas of El Salvador. Séamus Finn joined Sr. Eneless Chimbali, SBVM of the Association of Consecrated Women in Easterrn and Central Africa and Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa, to discuss the topic Advances Within the : An overview of the activities of the global and local Church since the 2016 Conference. Fr Finn, explained that "socially responsible investing" is an umbrella category covering an Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, Sr. Eneless Chimbali, SBVM, Séamus Finn, OMI approach to investing that excludes he Third Vatican Conference on Attendees from all corners of certain practices and products -- Impact Investing: Scaling the globe heard about a variety of social such as abortifacients or weapons - TInvestment in Service of enterprises and impact funds designed - and participating in stockholder Integral Human Development, to do just that -- some, examples of meetings. Impact investing is more focusing on concrete ways that capital how investors can deploy their capital, specifically aimed at investing to can be put to use to help the poor others, actively seeking funding ranging promote a social goal or good. around the world.on July 8-10 in Rome, from commercial investment to blended Rufus Whitley and Mr. Jean- drew leaders from the Catholic Church, finance, a combination of investment Michel Severino of the Invesitisseurs & business, banks, the investment world, and philanthropy. All of the featured Partenaires, along with Ms. Debra academia, foundations, humanitarian enterprises and funds use impact capital Schwartz of the MacArthur Foundation organizations and many others to sustainably provide goods, services, spoke on Deploying Capital for interested in the issue. and/or jobs to the very poor at scale. Impact at the Base of the Pyramid, Oblate Frs. Rufus Whitley For example, regular access to on why the deployment of institutional and Séamus Finn were among the clean water is a challenge for some 2.1 capital with impact on the very poor has panelists addressing the group. billion people around the world, and not scaled. "The first conference held in Catholic Relief Services, the U.S. (Photo credit: Remo Casilli) 2014 focused on the global Church’s bishops' overseas involvement with impact investing. The relief and second explored how the Church’s development ministries could move toward agency, has sustainability with the help of private launched an capital,” said Peter Cardinal Turkson, impact investment prefect of the IHD dicastery. “This year, project designed with continued support from the to help local Dicastery and CRS, we will look at very communities specific paths we can follow to increase improve their capital used for impact investing, water and especially for the most poor and sanitation service. vulnerable among us, seeking At this commitments from all participants.” Conference, CRS Fr. Rufus Whitley, OMI

SEPTEMBER-2018 -5 The United States Province is a multi-faceted reality. Our goal and Please remember in prayer purpose is to extend the Good News of the Gospel through the lens of our our recently departed charism. For 200 years, we have en- gaged ourselves within the context of James Ronge, 66, brother-in-law of Fr. Robert Leising, community and prayer on continuing St. OMI, died in a plane crash in Sitka, AK on June 9. Fr. Art Flores, OMI Eugene’s vision. Part of the driving Russell Steen Leary, 82, brother of Raymond Steen, mechanism behind our ability to dream is a complex set of OMI, died on June 4 in Weymouth, MA. practical factors that need to be in conversation with one Anne Marie Bouzi, mother of Fr. Quilin Bouzi, OMI, another. Our ability to continue to attract young men to join died on June 20. our ranks depends on the clarity of our mission and the how Richard LaFramboise, 63, brother of Fr. Ron we are living that out. LaFramboise, OMI, died on June 23 in MN. Every few years, the finance office of the province Carmel Amesse, mother of Fr. Mike Amesse, OMI, engages the services of an actuary to produce a report that died on June 23 in Montreal Quebec. we use to assess financial liabilities in our insurance and fi- Fr. Richard Pommier, OMI, 78, died on July 5 in nancial fields. Actuarial science applies mathematical prin- San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines. ciples of probability and statistics to define, analyze, and solve Gerard Volk, 61,brother of Fr. Norman Volk, OMI, financial implications of uncertain future events. Actuaries died on July 22 in Chicago, IL. provide us with vital information regarding rates of disability, Elizabeth Atkinson, 90, sister-in-law of the late morbidity, mortality, and retirement. Whether or not we are William Atkinson, OMI, died on July 10 in New York. good at math, we can all agree that numbers are conclusive. Fr. George Kuryvial, OMI, 85, died on Aug. 7 in Our most recent actuarial report has provided Belleville, IL. for us some good information on the personnel of our Jude David Wick, 80, former Oblate, died on Aug. province. The report looked at the number of men in 7, in Austin, TX. our province right now, and projected numbers ten, and twenty years from now.  Currently, there are two hundred and forty Ob- lates in perpetual vows.  If we have no perpetual oblations between 2018 and 2038, there will be 96 of us in perpetual vows.  If we have one perpetual oblation each year in the next twenty years, there will be 114 of us in per- petual vows in 2038.  If we have two perpetual oblations each year in the next twenty years, there will be 114 of us in per- petual vows in 2038.  If we have three perpetual oblations each year in the next twenty years, there will be 133 of us in per- petual vows in 2038. n June 11, members of the Mazenodian Family Com- During the upcoming Fall Province meetings I Omittee came together at “391” to strategize on how will be sharing more information that I was able to glean to animate the various branches that comprise the from this recent actuarial report which I believe points Mazenodian Family in the Province. to a relevant future for us in the U.S. Back, l-r: Fr. David Muñoz, Oblate Youth; Ms Geri Furmanek, We are privileged and joyfully share the gifts of our Oblate Associates; Frs. Frank Santucci, Oblate spirituality; Art charism with the Mazenodian Family. Mathematics is also Flores, Viccar Provincial; Saturnino Lajo, Mission Support; Ms. showing that the “Oblate” branch of our Mazenodian Family Mary Lou Anderson, HOMI; Front, l-r: Frs. Jesse Esqueda, is not withering off and dying. by Fr. Art Flores, OMI Oblate Affiliates; David Uribe; Billy Morell, Mission Support. OMI-USA - 6 The two people on the right are Saturnino Lajo of Oblate Missions, and Mary Lou Anderson, an Honorary Oblate from

Gathering to welcome Novice Masters gather in Aix uring this year of Oblate vocations, the Oblate novice D masters from 16 different countries, met in Aix-en-Provence. Among the participants were the Superior General, Louie Lougen and, from the U.S. Bro. Pat McGee. Frank Santucci, OMI from the U.S. was also in attendance.  Some topics covered included understanding better the missionary identity of the Oblates;  knowing how to initiate young people to prayer and religious life according to Oblate spirituality; Front, 3rd and 2nd from right: Fr. Louie Lougen and Bro. Pat McGee  living together in the context of candidates. for Oblate formation. Two major interculturality; The session was directed by Fr. interventions were made by Fr. Frank  dealing with the fragility of Cornelius Ngoka, the General Assistant Santucci and Fr. Thierry ANNE, sj.

“391” hosts Oblate Partnership summer meeting followed by a social and BBQ, after he Missionary Oblate Partner- ’s Chief of Staff. The which the group remained for nearly two ship held its 5th Annual Sum- Partnership honored McDonough with hours to reflect on the address and share Tmer BBQ & Conversation on a framed copy of The Cavalry of Christ, additional thoughts and responses. June 22-23 at the Oblate Provincial to highlight the “missionary” work that Backgrounds of attendees House in Washington, DC is accomplished in public life as well as were diverse, coming from government, The focus in 2018 was “Faith & faraway lands. corporations, universities, several foun- Public Life” and the guest speaker was Fr. Séamus Finn, OMI, cel- dations, Church leadership, other reli- the Hon. Denis McDonough, President ebrated Mass for the group, which was gious congregations and two last minute guests from Congo and Viet Nam.

Front row, l-r: Artie Pingolt, Neil King, Denis McDonough, Shailagh King Murray, Ed Murray, HOMI, Sr. Nancy Kamau Second row, l-r: Fr. Seamus Finn, OMI, Mary Mencarini Campbell, Fr. Bill Morell, OMI, Bonnie Gittinger, Kate Brooks, Karen McCarthy, Dianne Murray, Mary Gautier, Sr. Thu Do Back row, l-r: Jim Gardiner, SA, Kevin Sidders, Bob Boerner (in front of Sidders), Fr. Jim Brobst, OMI, Frank Gittinger, Greg Woodward, Dan Smytka, Sue Smytka, Ed Kiely, Greg McCarthy, Sue and Doug Craven, Bill Hutchens, Fr. Art Flores, OMI, Fr. Jim Chambers, OMI SEPTEMBER-2018 -7 The two people on the right are Saturnino Lajo of Oblate Missions, and Mary Lou Anderson, an Honorary Oblate from

Gathering to welcome Webert Merilan (2nd from left) Pat Healy, OMI honored By Fr. Harry Winter, OMI at Healy, OMI, has received several honors recently. On PJune 10, he received a Quilt of Valor, given to Veterans of the US Military (on table in photo). The quilt was made by Mrs. Michael (Vaughan) Winter, sister-in-law of Harry Winter, OMI. It was brought to Tewksbury, MA, by her husband Michael, and blessed by Fr. General, Louie Lougen, OMI. Pat recently received the Veteran of the Year Award from the Abraham Lincoln Post 11, GAR (Grand Army of the Republic). The award stated “Thank You Father Healy for spending your career selflessly Coming together to present the Quilt of Valor, l-r: Oblate Frs. Harry Winter, tending to the needs of our Military Pat Healy, Mr. Michael Winter, and Superior General, Fr. Louis Lougen. Personnel.” ship. At the barbecue after, Pat led the currently serves as the full time On May 18, when the USS blessing. chaplain at St. Michael’s Chapel, Constitution was led by tugboats to A recent military journal the Soldier’s Home, Chelsea, MA. Fort Independence, Boston Harbor, for describes Pat, at age 97, as the His book, The Finger of God, its semi-annual turnabout, the U.S. chaplain who has unretired the most which describes his early service in the Navy invited Vietnam vets to board the of any military chaplain. He military, has attracted many readers. Former St Paul provincial house closed he Oblates of the Belleville (St. Henry’s) Province had established a Mission Band at a house in White Bear TLake, MN in 1928. By the early 1950’s it was deter- mined that that house was too small and the residence on104 Mississippi River Blvd, in St. Paul, MN, was bought from the Sisters of St. Peter Claver. In 1955 the Provincial Offices and Residence moved to “104” from Belleville, IL A couple of years later, it was decided that “104” would be the residence for a Pastoral Year for newly ordained priests. In 1959, the provincal residence and offices were moved to Montcalm Drive in St Paul , where they remained until 1969. As the concept of the Pastoral Year faded, the provincial house was re-established at “104.” In January, 1982, the provincial offices were moved to St. Mary’s Parish in downtown St. Paul, and “104” became a residence for the provincial and other Oblates working in or passing through the area. This situation remained until the uni- fication of the US Provinces in 1999. Since 1999 the number Fr. Ron Harrer, OMI extinguishes the sanctuary of Oblates living in this large house diminished to four. lamp after the final Mass at 104 on June 18, 2018

OMI-USA - 8 4 Novices profess vows Continued from page 1 Canadian, Joey Methé, making his profession to Luc Tardif who accepted it. Fr. Louis Studer accepted the profes- sions of Lazaro Angel Leal, Wilbroad Kapembwa, and Michael Kabazo. At the end of Mass the new Oblates re- ceived a hearty round of applause as they were presented to the gathering.

Juan Gaspar, Vocation Directors, Richard Hall, Harold Fisher The new scholastics will now move on to the next step in their respective journeys: Bro. Methé will return to his native Canada, and the two Zambians will also be head- ing home to continue their studies. Bro. Leal will continue his studies at the scholaticate in San Antonio. Novice directors Bro. McGee and Fr. Kuczera had little time to rest on their laurels as the welcoming ceremony for the next group of novices was on Aug. 17th.

Fr. Luc Tardif delivers the homily Just before inviting everyone to a reception in the parish hall, Novice Master, Bro. Patrick McGee, recog- nized the contributions of the other two members of the Formation Team: Frs. Frank Kuczera and Jack Lau, (who has recently been assigned to the Lebh Shomea House of Prayer in Sarita, TX). Bro. Pat also thanked the many people who contributed to the novices’ successful experience at the Novitiate. Salvador Gonzalez, Andrew Lawlor, Mark Dean From the Provincial is the oldest known apparition of our wouldn’t start as well as the fishing and Continued from page 3 Blessed Mother in the history of the hunting required, even of a Bishop, to stay warm and healthy! friends and Fr. Schulte introduced him Church. Fr. Schulte introduced this de- votion to the Inuit people for obvious to his ministry among these far North- Oblates in East US: 150 Yrs. ern people. Fr. Guild, wishing to con- reasons: snow is a daily part of their In October, Oblates in Lowell nect the Shrine to the missionary work lives! and Tewksbury, MA will celebrate the of the Oblates, built the Shrine under Bishop Krotki spoke about 150th anniversary of the Oblate pres- the Pptronage of Our Lady of the his ministry to the pilgrims at the ence in this Eastern region of the United Snows. This title of our Blessed Mother Shrine Novena, played guitar and States. Oblates began ministering there dates back to the 4th century when she sang in the Inuit native language. His in 1868, only seven years after our appeared to an elderly couple outside diocese is the second largest geo- Oblate Founder’s death. An upcoming of Rome, Italy. Snow on the Esquiline graphically in the world! Traveling by issue of OMI/USA will detail this inter- Hill near Rome became the sign to the snowmobile in this vast region of North esting history of Oblate presence in this people of the time that our Blessed Central Canada, he related stories of part of the United States. Mother had appeared to the couple. It building an igloo when the snow mobile SEPTEMBER-2018 -9 Coté reports on events in Haiti n June 13, a large crowd gath- sang hymns in ered in Fondwa (Créole for Créole while the OFond-Oies) for the consecra- Mass was cel- tion of their new parish church. ebrated in French. The original church, founded by There was a large Fr. Real (Joe) Corriveau, OMI, was offertory procession destroyed in the 2010 Earthquake and of 15 Haitians, its temporary replacement was again some carrying bas- destroyed in 2016 by Hurricane Mat- kets on their heads thew. Bro. Richard Coté, OMI, Di- containing fruits and rector of Oblate Foreign Missions, produce of the land. Lowell, represented the US Province Yes, even a live L -r: Bro. Richard Coté, Frs. Joe Corriveau and Ellince Martyr at the dedication. rooster, chicken Through his many contacts in and goat were presented to the Arch- Hope). Despite his frail health, he con- the U.S.A. and in his home parish of bishop. tinues to preach mission appeals in the Winthrop/Augusta ME, Fr. Corriveau While in Haiti, I contacted all US to support, house, feed and educate raised over $275,000 for the new con- the four American Oblates assigned to some 300 boys. struction, which is now up to code and the Haiti Province. Fr. Michard acted Next, we visited John enabled to withstand any future cata- as my driver taking me to Les Cayes Henault, OMI (83) who is Director strophic events. (cf. OMIUSA Nov. 2017 p.15) on the Southern Coast to visit with Alfred of St. Martha’s Residence for the poor, The three and one-half hour Charpentier, OMI, (73) Director of the in Gonaives, staffed by the Missionar- Mass saw the participation of the Most Mission Procure in Les Cayes. ies of Charity. Upon hearing the noon Rev. Max Leroy Mesidor, Archbishop I was unable to attend the 75th bell for lunch, all ambulatory residents of Port-au-Prince, the Oblate Provin- anniversary of the Oblates’ arrival in and children home from school had cial Fr. Ellince Martyr, OMI, Fr. Haiti in May, I therefore chose to pay a gathered at the grotto of Our Lady of Michard Jean-Jacques, OMI, Pas- visit to the Cathedral in Les Cayes to Lourdes to sing the “Angelus” in tor, many Oblates, local clergy and re- pray at the tomb of Most. Rev. Jean- Créole. We then retired to the rectory ligious women. A choir of 40 voices Louis Collignon, OMI, founder of the for a good helping of “Shepherd’s Pie” Oblate Mission in a-la-Haitienne! Haiti in 1943. Of the many graces I re- Oblates con- ceived from this visit was to know tinue to be busy in that the altar stone inserted in the Les Cayes with a new altar of St. Anthony Church was high school of 600 from the altar in the OMI residence students, the Oblate at the now closed Shrine of Our parish of St. Eugene Lady of Grace, Colebrook, NH. de Mazenod, Foyer The Oblates in Haiti can be St. Etienne for the proud to say “Van an souflé koté-l vié. elderly poor and a Ou tandé bri lap fè. Min, ou pa konnin home for young ki bò-l soti, ni ki bò-l pralé. Sé minm men. I visited Fr. jan an pou tout moun ki fèt nan Léspri Marc Boisvert, Bondié.” The wind blows wherever it OMI, (68) and the wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it wonderful work he comes from or where it goes; so it is Archbishop Mesidor leads procession from the newly is doing at Powjè with everyone who is born of the dedicated church Espwa (Project Spirit. (Jn 3:8) OMI-USA - 10 ne of the three Jubilee O celebrations of first vows and ordinations took place at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Residence in Tewksbury, MA on June 11, 2018. Back, l-r: Frs. Ray Lebrun, Harry Winter, Gil Boucher, George Kirwin, Louie Lougen, John Curran, Paul Nourie, John St. Cyr; Dan Nassaney; Front, l-r: Frs. Terry OConnel, Luc Bouchard, Bro. Jim Lucas, Frs. Steve Conserva, John Hogan, Eugene Tremblay, Greg Cholewa, Henri Delisle.

n Sunday morning, June 17, a large number of fathers Ocame together to celebrate the annual Father’s Days Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, San Antonio, TX. Fr. Saturnino Lajo, OMI, cel- ebrated and Fr. Antonio Ponce, OMI concelebrated this beautiful annual tradition which included Flamenco dancers from San Antonio’s Teresa Champion Dance Academy. Left: At the June 11 CROCUS meeting of the finance personnel of the Oblate provinces of Canada and the U.S.at 391 in Washington DC: Front, l-r:Oblates, Warren Brown, General Councilor for the region; Lou Studer; US provincial; Luc Tardif, Notre Dame du Cap provincial. Back, l-r: Harley Mapes, Lacombe province treasurer; Pawel Nyrek, Assumption province; Mr. Rob Meilleur; Marc Dessurault, Oblate General Treasurer, James Chambers, US province treasurer; Mr. Jordan Dosch; Rocky Grimard, US province assoc. treasurer,; Middle: Ms. Denise Revell, US controller.

SEPTEMBER-2018 -11 Oblates bid farewell to the Latino Community Other Oblates who served the community: and St. Patrick Parish in Lowell, MA Frs. Paul Ouellette, Leo LeBlanc, Leo or many years Oblates ministered ethnic communities: Vietnamese, Guilmette, James Loiacono, James to the Hispanic community in Cambodian, and Burmese. At that time, Dukowski, Dwight Hoeberechts, FLowell, MA Because the Saint Patrick Church and its property Salvador Gonzalez. Spanish-speaking were not always was declining in many ways. Over the Oblates who served at Saint Patrick welcome at one or the other site, the years, Frs. James Taggart, OMI, and in recent years: Community moved from church to Daniel Crahen, OMI, worked hard Frs. Tuan Pham, Jerry Orsino, Michael church, or simply gathered in social to bring back the beauty of the place to O’Hara, Stan Zowada, William halls. Wherever they went, Oblates the point that, in 2017, Saint Patrick’s O’Donnell, Stephen Conserva. followed, responding to their needs. was awarded the Bulfinch Award for An interesting chapter (5) in the book Locations of the Spanish speaking Historic Preservation from the Institute Latino Politics in Massachusetts deals with the community in Lowell: of Classical Architecture and Art of Oblate involvement with the Latino community Spanish-American Center “Nueva New England. in Lowell up to 2002. Esperanza” 1969-1979; As the Oblates left Saint Saint Joseph the Worker Shrine: Patrick Parish in June 2018, the ethnic Mass in Spanish was celebrated there immigrant communities, especially the until 1971; Spanish one, expressed their deep Immaculate Conception Church: appreciation from for their service over 1971-1981; the years. Saint John the Baptist Church Oblates who served the community (Nuestra Señora del Carmen): 1981- for long periods: 2004. Frs. Daniel Crahen, 16 years; Terrence In 2004, the Spanish-speaking O’Connell, 15 years; Bro. Valmond community moved to Saint Patrick LeClerc, 15 years; Frs. James Taggart, Church and was combined with other 12 years; James Fee, 11 years.

OMI-USA - 12 other year. June 9-14, 2018 at 391

Oblates leave OLG, Laredo ue to a lack of personnel, the Oblates left Our Lady of DGuadalupe Parish in Laredo, TX, turning the parish over to the pastoral care of the Diocese of Laredo, effective July 8, 2018. It was on September 1, 1992 that Corpus Christi Bishop Emmanuel Boleslaus Ledvina invited the Oblates to serve at what was then known as San Agustin Church, with its chapels of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Holy Redeemer in Laredo.

Oblates gathered for the farewell celebration, l-r: Frs. Antonio Ponce, Ri- chard Hall, Art Flores, Jim Brobst, Bishop Tamayo, Frs. David Munoz, Porfirio Garcia, Schol. Bros. Alejandro Alvarado, Daniel Bourg. Ladislao Lopez as pastors. serve Our Lady of Refuge in Eagle Pass On Sunday July 8, Bishop and Sacred Heart Church in Eagle Pass. James A.Tamayo celebrated a Mass of Parishioners of Our Lady of thanksgiving for the Oblate service to Guadalupe Church and members of the the parish at Our Lady of Guadalupe diocese of Laredo recalled with Four years later, Our Lady of Church, followed by a reception at the affection and thanksgiving the ministry Guadalupe became a parish with parish hall. of the Oblates who served the Oblate Frs. David Rodriguez and The Oblates will continue to community over the years.

he 2018 Oblate Musical Camp Antonio from June 10-16. 35 teens from of rehearsals for Joseph and the Amazing Twas held at the Lourdes Grotto in San many Texas cities came together for a week Technicolor Dreamcoat and spiritual growth. Most of the teens had attended previous camps and have developed strong ties with each other. Bro. Cosmas Kithinji, a scholastic from Kenya studying at Oblate School of Theology, led the youth retreats using themes from the Genesis story of Joseph in Egypt. Cosmas was helped by Mateusz Garstecki, a San Antonian of Polish parents, who is a member of the Buffalo , NY, Pre-Novitiate House. Las Oblatas of San Antonio also lent a hand, along with Fr. Leo Perez, OMI, who was the Executive Producer. The week ended with one outdoor production. SEPTEMBER-2018 -13 Celebration honors influential Oblate ranco-American Week, first launched in 1971 in Lowell, FMA, to recognize the contributions of French-speaking Canadian immigrants, mostly from the Province of Québec and the Maritime Provinces, to the Industrial Revolution and Lowell's rich history,was held on the week of June 17. The Week began when retired Bishop of Biloxi, MS Bishop Roger Special gravesite ceremony recalled the life of Fr. André Garin, OMI Morin, a native of Dracut, said French Mass at St. Mary Magdalen in died in Lowell, MA., Feb. 16, 1895 Tyngsboro, MA. Fr. Gil Boucher, aged seventy-three, has been called the OMI concelebrated with the bishop. modern Marquette. ... On Sunday, June 24, a Vespers “Father Garin... was a man of Service was held at St. Joseph’s commanding character, complete Cemetery Chapel, followed by a special devotion to his work and great energy. service honoring Fr. André Garin “His influence and that of the OMI, in thanksgiving for the founding other Fathers of the Oblates of Mary of St. Joseph’s Shrine, Immaculate Immaculate was most powerfully felt in Conception Parish, Lowell and St. Lowell for many years, not alone by the Andrew Parish, in 1868. French Catholics to whom more On the occasion of his death, especially their mission is directed, but Boston’s The Sacred Heart Review (Vol by the entire community, both Catholic 1, Number 8, 23 February 1895) published a and Protestant. He was a great power Bishop Morin and Fr. Boucher, after tribute, stating: for good in the city. “ the June 17 Mass. “Fr. André M. Garin, OMI, n late June, over 2000 demonstrators gathered along the shore of Oakland, CA, Lake Merritt demanding the reunification of families Iseeking refuge from the tyranny of physical and emotional violence. Many signs spoke, in one way or another, of “building bridges, not walls.” Fr. Scott Hill, OMI, (photo) remarked, “While with this crowd, standing in solidarity with the many children and parents being denied their intrinsic right of being family, I was reminded that my partici- pation in this rally was my solidarity with the nameless children and parents, as well as with my Oblate brothers and their parishioners who know their names and their humanity. Together, compassion has taken to the streets and the national demonstrations and the presence of my Oblate brothers and the many volunteers, echoed the words of St. August- Statue of Fr. André Garin, OMI ine: “an unjust law is no law at all.” From JPIC newsletter-Summer 2018

OMI-USA - 14 Known among the Mexican people as el Santo Padre Pedrito, he was a model of religious poverty, obedience, and unpre- tentiousness. At least three times a year he made missionary cir- cuits over a vast territory of some 70 to 120 ranches, where he preached, cat- echized, baptized, confessed, and mar- ried the people.” By 1883, 41 Oblates served the mission, establishing schools in Galveston in 1855 and in Brownsville in 1865. Meanwhile, they served in East Texas from 1853-1855 and in , beginning in 1849. Oblate Trail Ride established Fr. Roy Snipes, OMI, Fr. Pat Seitz, Fr. Kevin Collins, OMI in front of mural In 1949, the Brownsville His- Oblate Cavalry of Christ memoralized torical Association established The Oblate Fathers Trail, setting road mark- n June 25 Our Lady Star of Canada to Port Isabel, where they ers along the route traveled in 1849 and the Sea Catholic Church, Port were greeted by Lt. Julius through the 1850s by the Oblates in OIsabel, TX, blessed an Ob- Garesche, a devout Catholic solider late Memorial Prayer Garden com- and by Catholics of the area. memorating the Oblates’ arrival there Although withdrawn in 1851, on Dec. 2, 1849. they returned in 1853 and began minis- “The Prayer Garden was tering throughout the Lower Rio Grande designed to pay tribute to the Ob- Valley on horseback, encountering war, late priests and brothers who hurricanes, revolutions, yellow fever, served the Port Isabel community drought, calamities of all kinds. from 1849 until 2012, and to serve The most famous of them was as a peaceful retreat for those seek- Fr. Peter Keralum. Fr. Bob Wright, ing a place for quiet prayer and re- OMI, noted in an article for the Texas flection,” the Rev. Pat Seitz, the State Historical Association that their parish and missionary work. church’s first diocesan pastor, stated. Keralum was “renowned among his The trail begins at Our Lady Funded by the purchase of contemporaries for his genuineness, sim- Star of the Sea Church at Port Isabel, brick pavers for the walkway by pa- plicity of life, generosity, and affability. proceeds to Immaculate Conception rishioners and friends, the garden fea- Cathedral in Brownsville and to tures a large mural of the his- Villa Maria Chapel, then angling toric silhouette of the Calvary up the river to San Pedro, of Christ. Encantada, Las Rusias, San Oblate presence in Benito, Santa Maria, Mercedes, South Texas began when Hidalgo, McAllen, La Lomita, Bishop Jean Marie Odin, Mission, Habana, Grulla, Rio Oblate Fathers Pierre Grande City, Roma, Zapata, San Adrien Telmon, Alexandre Ignacio, and Laredo. Each early Soulerin, Augustin Gaudet church displays an octagonal and lay Brother Menthe bronze plaque. traveled by boat from SEPTEMBER-2018 -15  Harry Winter, OMI has had an article, “Paradigm Shift in Mission, Unity and Dialogue” published in Ecumenical Trends 47 (May 2018, #5).  There is also an item in an article in America Magazine on the plight of immigrant children here in the U. S. mentioning the involvement of Kevin Collins, OMI: https://www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/2018/ 06/19/how-catholics-are-helping-immigrant-children-separated-their-parents  Frank Santucci, OMI, head of the Kusenberger Chair of Oblate Studies at Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio, TX, has drawn our End Runs End attention to Online Courses available to members of the Oblate Congregation and its Associates throughout the world to deepen knowledge of St. Eugene de Mazenod and Oblate spirituality. Details are available from OST’s website: https://ost.edu/oblate-studies/  The homilies preached during the 75th anniversary of the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL, can be accessed at OMIUSA website for August 2018  The Colebrook-based Great North Woods Committee for the Arts, the Connecticut River Artist Group and the Carriage Lane Players has purchased part of the former Our Lady of Grace Shrine in Colebrook, NH, to be used as a regional arts center. With Mount Monadnock in Vermont as a backdrop, ample parking, several, large open spaces, and a small, sunken amphitheater the shrine was seen as a perfect location for the several area Arts and Player groups. The former Franco-American Province had acquired the former Hampshire Inn property in 1922, first using it as a junior seminary, then a novitiate, and finally in 1948 converting it into the Shrine. Bro. Richard Cote, OMI, reflected that “For 92 years the Oblates have been close to the people of the Great North Woods and the sale of the St Matthew, Apostle property to the Arts committee will benefit people of all faiths and walks of life everywhere.” and Evangelist Feast: Sept.21 Read more at: http://www.unionleader.com/article/20180730/NEWHAMPSHIRE01/ 180729712/-1/mobile?template=mobileart OMI - USA Charlie Jordan, president of Newsletter of the U.S. Province of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immacu- the Great North Woods late.-391 Michigan Ave., NE Washing- Committee for the Arts, ton, DC 20017-1516 President and Publisher: Very Rev. shows old signs in the Louis Studer, OMI basement of “St. Joseph’s Editor: Fr. Charles Hurkes, OMI Direct all submissions, inquiries and Workshop,” one of three comments to Charles Hurkes, OMI at buildings and land that a trio the above address or Fax (202) 529- of groups purchased from 4572; Tel: (202) 529-4505 e-mail: [email protected] the Oblates with plans to Published six times a year for Oblate per- transform it into a regional sonnel and their friends and supporters; distributed from the U.S. Provincial Of- arts center. (John koziol/union fices in Washington, DC. leader correspondent) MOVING? WANT TO CONTINUE RE- CEIVING OMIUSA? PLEASE SEND US Remember to check out the province’s website YOUR NEW ADDRESS! Or, if you do not want to continue receiving it (whether you for more information and links to other Oblate move or not), please let us know so we are news items.: www.omiusa.org not sending unwanted copies. Thank you.

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